Macbeth

Positive—…Macbeth is easily the greatest film of the year and does justice to Shakespeare’s great tragedy. The film brilliantly portrays the tale of a man who is corrupted by his own ambition and ultimately comes to his demise by his own tragic flaw. A brilliant depiction of the play, with impeccable acting, beautiful cinematography, and a haunting soundtrack. For Christian audiences, the film will remind them of the words of Isaiah, “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked” (57:21).

Here we see a man who, motivated by ambition, commits murder to gain the throne, but then ultimately must commit more and more atrocities to cover up his initial sin. As Macbeth laments, “I am in blood/Stepp’d in so far that, should I wade no more/Returning were as tedious as go o’er” (3.4.136-138).

The MPAA’s value judgment suggesting it must be restricted to audiences 17 and older is very unfair, especially to children interested in exploring Shakespeare. The violence in the film is only in keeping with the violence of Shakespeare’s original play, and it is depicted in a very discreet manner and is by no means gratuitous.

For example, the scene when Macbeth kills King Duncan could have been much more violent, but instead was presented more along the lines of the Psycho shower scene, showing the knife and the terrified facial expressions, but doesn’t actually show the graphic details of the murder. It was very well done and the “R” rating is obviously an extremely severe overreaction. The film ought to be “PG-13” at the very worst. Not only should it be available for all audiences interested in exploring Shakespeare, teenagers ought to be encouraged to see this extraordinary adaption of the Immortal Bard’s great tragedy.

Director Justin Kurzel presents a very potent and raw depiction of Shakespeare’s Scottish Play, which brings the story to fiery life. As the credits scroll, the film will leave the audience harrowed by Shakespeare’s unparalleled exploration of the mankind’s disposition in the universe. Despite all of Macbeth’s mortal efforts to fight against the decrees of Fate, his life truly does prove to be, “but a walking shadow a poor player/That struts and frets his hour upon the stage/And then is heard no more.

It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing” (Macbeth, 5.5.24-28), or as David said, “Man is like to vanity, his days are as a shadow that passeth away” (Psalm 144:4).
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5

…the acting soars and the violence blazes… Kurzel's bold and viscerally thrilling approach along with a brutal, battle-heavy story line should ensure that even less initiated viewers will find themselves immersed in this classic medieval tragedy, a kind of “Macbeth” for the “Game of Thrones” crowd. …

…Marion Cotillard and Michael Fassbender excel in Justin Kurzel's thrillingly savage interpretation of the Scottish Play. …Fearsomely visceral and impeccably performed, it’s a brisk, bracing update, even as it remains exquisitely in period. Though the Bard’s words are handled with care by an ideal ensemble… albeit one surely too savage for the classroom. …

…awash in gorgeous carnage… Mr. Fassbender gives you a reason to see this “Macbeth,” although the writing isn’t bad, either.

…Fassbender was born for this… this endlessly studied 400-year-old piece of drama regains its power to mesmerise and shock. … [5/5]

…Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard shine in a dark, dank ‘Macbeth’… It must be admitted that Shakespeare wrote long, and Kurzel unsentimentally boils the script down to the greatest hits. The story becomes at times mere backdrop to arresting, even brilliant photography… [3/4]

…a spittle-flecked war film full of post-Braveheart mud, warpaint and Kurosawa-style heroic bloodshed. The tale is bookended by battles—faces meatily pummelled, bones crunchily broken and throats spurtingly sliced… Plenty of gore and action… [4/5]

…a Shakespearean noir-thriller soaked with operatic verve… [4/5]